Cornice



July 6, 1943. M. H. STERN ETAL 2,323,496

' CORNICE I Filed April 15, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IZZ E 5w ,7 a U mg Patented July 6, 1943 UNITED ATE OFFICE CORNICE Milton H. Stern, Brooklyn, and Jules Nisenson,

New York, N. Y.; said Nisenson assignor to said Stern 13 Claims.

This invention relates generally to the art of window decoration with especial reference to curtains and draperies, and more particularly to improvements in cornices.

Among the objects of the present invention is the provision of a novel cornice structure which is adjustable whereby the cornice may be varied in length to suit a considerable number of different sized windows.

Another object herein lies in the provision of an adjustable cornice structure which may be covered with drapery or curtain fabric or any other desirable sheet material so as to form with the draperies or curtains used on the particular window, a harmonious decorative ensemble. By reason of the novel construction of the cornice elements herein relatively small scraps or remnants of material may be utilized and no sewing, stitching, or tailoring of the fabric parts used for covering the cornice elements is necessary.

In accordance with the present invention a novel cornice is provided which is fabricated preferably from thin sheet metal so as to be light in weight yet by reason of the unusual construction thereof is relatively strong and durable.

Another object therein is the provision of an adjustable cornice which even after being covered with textile material may be readily adjusted in length so that in being installed upon difierent sized windows the textile covering need not be replaced.

An important feature of the present invention lies in the novel universal bracket structure in which a single form of bracket is capable of utilization at either the right or left hand ends of the cornice. This novel bracket also acts to support a single curtain rod or a plurality of curtain rods.

A novel feature of the cornice lies in the provision of drapery support elements which are part of the cornice elements and which may be brought into active position as needed.

An advantage of a cornice manufactured in accordance with the present invention lies in the fact that the cornice elements thereof are completely reversible so that in forming a complete cornice a central element and any two end elements may be readily combined to form a relatively rigid cornice which acts as a single unit in use.

In the use of the present cornice, and the in.- stallation thereof, no special tools or skill are required.

These objects and other incidental ends and advantages will more fully appear in the progress of this disclosure and be pointed out in the appended claims. V

In the drawings constituting a material part of this disclosure, similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 7

Fig. l is an elevational View showing a cornice constructed in accordance with the present in vention as seen from the front thereof. In this figure the scale is approximately one-sixth normal size. I

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view as might b seen from the plane 2-2 on Fig. 6. In this figure a support bracket is shown. The scale is one-half normal size.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view as might be seen from the plane 33 on Fig. 2, but in Fig. 3 a cloth covering has been added. The scale is full size.

Fig. 4 is a plan View of a bracket shown full size. In this figure adjacent parts are indicated in dot dash lines.

Fig. 5 is a full size vertical sectional View as might be seen from the plane 5--5 on Fig. 8; In this figure the connecting bolts and cloth cover have been added.

Fig. 6 is a one-third size rear elevational view of the cornice comprising a central element and two end elements. In this figure the support brackets and the cloth covering are omitted for purposes of clarity.

Fig. '7 is a plan view of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a rear elevational view of the central element of the cornice. The cloth covering and connecting bolts are omitted.

In accordance with the invention the cornice generally indicated by numeral ill comprises three elements; a central cornice element l l and end cornice elements It and iii. The central cornice element ii is detachably and adjustably secured to the end elements by means of connecting bolts generally indicated by numeral 14' and M. The draperies it are supported by the cornice it by means of a plurality of drapery support tab elements ll; while the curtains I8 and i9 are supported by means of curtain poles at and El respectively which are in turn supported in the forward portions of the support brackets l5.

As best seen in Fig. 8 the central cornice element II is composed of a flat sheet of material, preferably thin sheet steel. The central cornice element comprises a body plate Hand. is provided with integral edge flanges 23, 24, 25 and 25. The flanges 23-25 are mitered at the corners and the configuration thereof is best seen in the upper and lower portions of Fig. 5. The body plate 22 is provided with two pairs of spaced and parallel channels 21, 28, 29, and 30. The channels have rounded ends and the general configuration thereof is best seen in Fig. 5. Each of the channels 2'I30 is provided with an elongated slot 3|, 32, 33 and 34.

The body plate 22 is provided with two rows 35 and 30 of drapery support tab elements. The drapery support tab elements are of substantially uniform construction so that a description of one, namely the one identified by the numeral 35 on Fig. 8, will suffice for all. Each of the drapery support tab elements is formed by punching a central orifice 31 and a substantially arcuately shaped slot 38 in the body plate 22.

The body plate 22 is provided with a plurality of cornice cover securing prongs or points generally indicated by numeral 40. The points 40 are arranged in spaced and parallel rows 4|, 42, 43 and 44, longitudinally of the central cornice element II; vertical rows 45 and 45 and corner points 41, 48, 49 and 50. As illustrated in Fig. 8 the points 40 are shown as disposed perpendicular to the rear surface of the body plate 22 and this is the position that the points occupy just prior to the operation of securing the fabric cover (Fig. 5) on the central element. In commercial practice it is possible to form the points 40 by making a plurality of V shaped incisions in the body plate 22 and the points 40 may be left in the plane of the body plate 22 or at any desirable angle with relation thereto. Where the points 40 are left in the plane of the body plate 22 there will be less likelihood of damage to the points during shipment of the device and less danger of accidental injury due to contact with said points by the user. The points may under such circumstances be raised to a perpendicular position just prior to the securing thereupon of the cover 5I. Where, however, for any reason it may be desired, the stamping operation for making the points 40 may be a simultaneous punch and form operation so that the points 40 will leave the press in a perpendicular position with relation to the body plate 22.

Since the end cornice elements I2 and I3 are identical, a description of one, the end cornice element I2 will sufiice for both. As best seen in Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7, the end cornice element I2, is formed from a fiat sheet of material, preferably thin sheet steel. The end cornice element I2 comprises a body plate 52, which includes a front plate portion 53 and a side plate portion 54, disposed at substantially right angles to each other. The body plate 52 is provided with integral edge flanges 63, 64, and 65. The portion of the body plate 52 and the flanges 63 and 64 as seen at the point 65 on Figure 7 are preferably rounded. The body plate 52 is provided with a pair of vertically aligned orifices through which are passed the connecting bolts I4 and I4. The side plate portion 54 is provided with an orifice through which is passed the bolt I0. The bolt is fixedly secured to the side plate portion 54 in any suitable manner as for example by spot welding. V

The body plate 52 is provided with two rows I5 and I6 of drapery support tab elements. The drapery support tab elements extend completely along the front and side plate portions '53 and 54 respectively and are so arranged that one of the drapery support tab elements in each row is disposed at the point 65, that is to say at the bend of the body plate 52 which is substantially L-shaped as viewed in Fig. '7. The drapery support tab elements are of substantially uniform construction and preferably follow that of the tab identified by numeral 35 and previously described in detail.

The body plate 52 is provided with a plurality of cornice cover securing prongs or points generally indicated by numeral 80. The points are arranged in spaced and parallel rows BI, 82, a d IOIIgitudinally of the end cornice element I2; Vertical rows 85 and 86 and corner points 82', 08, 89, and 90. The points 30 are preferably of identical size and configuration with the points 40, and a detailed description hereinabove with regard to the points 40 is equally applicable to the points 80.

Turning now to a description of the support bracket I5, as seen best in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the bracket is formed from a rectangular blank BI, having right angle bends 92, 93, 04, 95, 90, and 07, forming portions 98, 99, I00, IOI, I02, and I03. The portion 90 is provided with an orifice I04 and keyhole slots I05, while the portion 09 is provided with a corresponding orifice I06 and slots I01. The last mentioned orifices and slots are utilized in securing the bracket I5 to vertical surfaces such as a window frame I08. By reason of the arrangement of the portions 58 and 99 the bracket I5 may be attached to the inner surfaces or room facing surfaces of the window frame or casing. The portion I00 is inwardly offset (with relation to the window frame or with relation to the cornice generally) so as to allow suificient clearance for the side plate portion 54; the portion of the bracket between the bends 93 and 94 acting as a rear stop. The portion I02 is further inwardly offset and the indentations I09, IIIJ, III, and H2, serve as supports for the curtain poles 25 and 2I. This inward offsetting of the portion I02 permits a limited longitudinal displacement of the rods 2I and 22 without their falling from the bracket. The bracket I5 is provided with an elongated slot II3 which extends from the portion I00 through the portion IOI and into the portion I02. The side plate portion '54 of the end cornice element I2 is provided with a plurality of inwardly bent bracket engaging tabs H4, H5, H0, and Ill, these tabs being formed from the material of the side plate portion 54. The tabs H4 and H5 are spaced vertically from the tabs H6 and Ill a distance equal to or slightly greater than the vertical width of the bracket I5.

The assembly and installation of the cornice I0 is substantially as follows. A pair of the brackets I5 are installed at the proper level at opposite sides of the window frame or casing I08, the keyhole slots I05 and I 01. facilitating this operation by permitting the insertion of one screw before the bracket is put in place. The curtains I8 and I9 are strung upon the rods 20 and 2| in the usual manner and the rods 20 and 2| are placed within the indentations H0 and I09 in one bracket and the other ends of the rods are placed in the indentations H2 and III in the opposite bracket.

The central cornice element II has a bolt similar to the bolt I4 placed in each of the slots 3| to 34 inclusive. The bolts I4 have square heads so they do not turn in the channels 21 to 30 inclusive. Next a fabric cover piece 5| is placed upon the front surface of the body plate 22 and the edges thereof are lapped over the flanges 23,

24, 25, and 25. The free edges of the cloth piece are pressed down upon the upstanding points 40 which penetrate the cloth. The points are then bent inwardly and they act to draw the cloth taut and to secure the same in place. By reason of the staggered arrangement of the points ravelling of the cloth edges is prevented. The cloth 5! may have been of a predetermined size or after the points have been bent toward the plane of the body plate 22 the excess cloth may be trimmed.

Next two end cornice elements such as l2 and I3 are covered with a fabric cover 39 in a manner similar to that in which the central cornice element H has been covered. The cornice elements l2 and 23 are next placed into contact with the rear surface of the central cornice element, the bolts i4 and I l penetrating the corresponding orifices in the end cornice elements. Each of the bolts [4 and Id is next provided with a suitable wing nut as seen in Fig. 6. With the cornice having a general appearance as shown in Fig. 6, one longitudinal edge is considered as the top or bottom and the adjacent row of drapery support tab elements 15 or it and so many of the corresponding drapery tab elements on the plate 22 as are exposed are bent forwardly into the positions indicated on Figures 3 and 5.

After the cornice I9 is adjusted for proper length and positioning of the central element H with relation to the elements l2 and E3, the wing nuts on the bolts M and M are tightened. At this stage the draperies Hi may be engaged with the drapery support tab elements l! by means of any suitable known drapery hooks (not shown), the hooks engaging the orifices corresponding to the orifices 3'1. The elements I! may be similarly employed to support a Valance, or other suitable decorative material.

The bolts 10 are now engaged within the slots H3 and suitable wing nuts are placed upon the bolts Hi. In placing the bolts '39 into said slots the tabs lid and Ill act as guides. The drawing tight of the wing nuts on the bolt if! completes the installation.

While as shown in Figure 1 draperies and two curtains are supported by the cornice this is merely for the purpose of illustration and obviously any lesser number in any combination may be utilized.

Depending upon the softness or ductility of the material of which the cornice It is composed the tab elements I! and the points it may be bent and rebent so that the coverings 5i and 39 may be changed and the cornice may be readjusted to other window widths.

It may thus be seen that there has been provided a novel and useful adjustable cornice which may be manufactured in large quantities at low cost, is simple to cover using fabric remnants, is readily installed requiring no special skill or tools, and therefore, may have wide commercial distribution.

We wish it to be understood that we do not desire to be limited to the exact details of construction shown and described, for obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

We claim:

1. An adjustable cornice for use with a window, comprising a central cornice element having con necting means movably attached thereto; and a pair of end cornice elements each attached to said central element by said connecting means.

2. An adjustable cornice for use with a window comprising a central cornice element having c0nnecting means attached thereto and movable longitudinally thereof; and a pair of end cornice elements each attached to said central element by said connectin means.

3. An adjustable cornice for use with a window, comprising: a central cornice element having a slot therein; connecting means slidably disposed in said slot; and an end cornice element attached to said central cornice element by said connecting means.

4. An adjustable cornice for use with a window, comprising a central cornice element having a slotted channel therein; connecting means movable within said slotted channel; and an end cornice element attached to said central cornice element by said connecting means.

5. A window cornice for use with a covering, said cornice comprising: a plate; a plurality of prongs associated with said plate, said prongs when in closed position pointing away from the edge of the plate adjacent thereto.

6. A window cornice for use with a curtain drapery, comprising: a sheet metal plate having a plurality of U shaped incisions therein, arranged in a row along the length thereof, thereby forming a corresponding plurality of tabs which are bendable away from the plane of said plate about an axis transversely disposed with relation to said plate; said tabs each having an orifice for use in supporting said curtain or drapery.

7. As a new article of manufacture: a window cornice having guide means thereon; and a cornice mounting and support bracket engageable with said guide means and having a slot; and means to detachably attach the cornice to said bracket, said means including a projecting element in the cornice adapted to penetrate said slot in the bracket.

8. For use with a window cornice and a curtain rod: a reversible support bracket, symmetrical about the horizontal longitudinal axis thereof and having a central slot and an inwardly offset portion provided with opposed edge indentations for supporting said rod.

9. For use with a window frame or wall, as a new article of manufacture: a window cornice including an end cornice element having guide means thereon; a cornice mounting bracket adapted for attachment to said window frame or wall, said bracket including a cornice supportmg portion extending substantially perpendicularly away from the plane of said Window frame or wall; said guide means resting upon said cornice supporting portion and being slidable therealong, longitudinally of the cornice supporting portion.

10. For use with a window frame or wall, as a new article of manufacture: a Window cornice including an end cornice element having guide means thereon; a cornice mounting bracket adapted for attachment to said window frame or wall and including a cornice supporting portion extending substantially perpendicularly away from the plane of said window frame or wall; said guide means engaging the upper and lower edges of said cornice supporting portion and being slidable thereon with corresponding movement of said end cornice element longitudinally of the cornice supporting portion.

11. For use with a Window frame or wall, as a new article of manufacture a window cornice including a pair of spaced and parallel end cornice elements each having guide means thereon; a pair of cornice mounting brackets adapted for attachment to said window frame or wall, each including a cornice supporting portion extending substantially perpendicularly away from the plane of said window frame or wall; each of said guide means engaging the upper and lower edges of the supporting portion of one of said brackets, the cornice being movable as a unit toward and away from the window or wall by sliding along said cornice supporting portions.

12. For use with a window frame or wall, as a new article of manufacture: a window cornice including an end cornice element having guide means thereon; said guide means including an inwardly bent tab; a cornice mounting bracket having a cornice supporting portion extending substantially perpendicularly away from the plane of said window or wall; said tab resting upon said cornice supporting portion and being movable thereon with the said end cornice element longitudinally of the cornice supporting portion.

13. A window cornice for use with a covering therefor, said cornice comprising a rectangular sheet metal plate having a plurality of V shaped incisions therein, thereby forming a corresponding plurality of integral prongs for engaging said covering; some of said prongs being arranged in rows adjacent the edges of said plate and positioned in the closed position thereof, to point inwardly of the plate and substantially perpendicularly to the adjacent plate edge; and at least one prong located at each of the corners of the plate and positioned to point inwardly from the adjacent corner when in the closed position thereof, and substantially bisecting the angle formed by the adjacent plate corner edges.

' MILTON H. STERN.

JULES NISENSON, 

